Plastic-to-Fuel Demonstration Draws Crowd to Rocket City Dragway

By Alicia Haggermaker

A live demonstration of a plastic-to-fuel conversion process was held Saturday at Rocket City Dragway in Harvest, drawing attendees interested in alternative fuel technologies.

Julian Brown, founder of NatureJAB, presented his pyrolysis-based system, which converts plastic waste into a combustible liquid fuel he refers to as “Plastoline.” The event was conducted in front of a live audience and streamed online.

During the demonstration, fuel produced from the system was used to run a vehicle, including a 2016 Rolls-Royce donated for the project. According to those involved, the vehicle operated on the fuel without interruption during the demonstration.

Jabar Westbrook, who donated the Rolls-Royce for the event, said he was confident in the system’s performance prior to the demonstration. When asked whether he thought it would run on Brown’s Plastoline, he said, “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t.” He added that he wanted to be part of making history.

Brown described his work as an effort to address plastic waste while exploring alternative energy sources. He said the concept dates back to his teenage years, when exposure to environmental issues led him to begin experimenting with welding and fuel conversion processes.

Reflecting on the risks involved in the demonstration, Brown said he relied on confidence in his work despite the potential liability.

“I put everything on the line to operate this engine of a higher net worth than myself, knowing if I damaged it I would be liable,” Brown said. “Despite that, I believed in myself more than I feared the unknown.”

The system produces liquid fuel through pyrolysis, a process that thermally breaks down plastic materials in the absence of oxygen. Brown stated that the process yields compounds including styrene and benzene, along with carbon and mineral byproducts.

A full emissions analysis of the Plastoline fuel has not yet been completed. Brown noted that emissions testing on a diesel variant produced through the process indicated higher power output and cleaner performance compared to conventional diesel, though further testing is planned.

The demonstration also highlighted plans for future development. Brown said he is currently working on a mobile version of the reactor, intended to allow demonstrations and deployment in additional locations, including international settings. He also indicated plans to publish blueprints for the next-generation “Mark 5” reactor in a forthcoming book.

Supporters in attendance described the project as an opportunity to explore new approaches to both waste reduction and energy production. Others noted that questions remain regarding scalability, emissions, and long-term application.

Additional demonstrations are expected as development continues.

For more information, visit https://www.naturejab.com or follow @naturejab on social media.

The demonstration was live streamed on YouTube, and is below: